Man On Trial In Beating Death Of Girlfriend

The prosecution of a man on trial in the beating death of his girlfriend two years ago rested on Wednesday and defense attorneys began Thursday trying to convince the jury their client isn't guilty.

Steven Montgomery, 29, is accused of killing 23-year-old Tarnesha Ellis in her Northside home in October 2005. Police said that after slaying Ellis, he ate ice cream with her 2-year-old son before leaving the scene.

Montgomery was arrested a few days later in Georgia driving a stolen car.

The state is trying Montgomery on a charge of first-degree murder, but does not plan to seek the death penalty if he is convicted.

Previous Stories:

• October 18, 2005: Man Charged With Beating Girlfriend To Death
• October 17, 2005: Man Questioned About Slain Woman Charged With Car Theft
• October 13 2005: Police Question Man After Woman Found Dead In Northside Home